Ningjin capitalizes on senior-friendly furniture

Wood furniture producers in Ningjin county, Shandong province, are leveraging the region's traditional craftsmanship to tap into the senior-friendly furniture market. As the global population ages, the industry is emerging as a promising sector.

Enterprises in Ningjin, one of China's largest solid-wood furniture hubs, have introduced a wide range of personalized and comprehensive senior-friendly furniture. Among them, a nursing bed produced by Shandong Bangjie Aging Furniture Co has become particularly popular.

Designed with an intelligent lifting mechanism, the bed features adjustable height and inclination to meet the specific needs of elderly users.

"The intelligent lifting mechanism enables the elderly to move on their own, such as getting up or changing positions," said Guo Huawei, sales manager of the company.

Rather than traditional metal or wooden handrails, the bed is equipped with nylon safety handrails with anti-slip surfaces to reduce the risk of falling.

"The inclusion of anti-slip mattresses, rounded bed corners and non-toxic, eco-friendly materials further ensures safety and comfort for the elderly in their daily lives," Guo said.

Last year, the company produced more than 5,000 sets of senior-friendly furniture.

"These products are in high demand in various elderly care settings, including community care centers, medical institutions and welfare homes," Guo said.

Guo is optimistic about the future, particularly as the county government steps up efforts to boost the ecological development of the solid-wood furniture industry.

Ningjin's furniture industry started in the 1990s. While it has faced challenges, including environmental pollution and product similarities stemming from rapid growth, efforts have been made over the past decade to address these issues.

Industrial parks, automated production lines and design centers have been established to support business development.

Currently, dining tables and chairs from the county hold an 87 percent market share in northern regions of the Yangtze River and are exported to 36 countries and regions, including the United States, Germany and South Korea, according to the county government.

The local senior-friendly furniture market is thriving, with more than 20 related enterprises involved in production. Their product range primarily includes senior-friendly dining sets, nursing beds and assistive sofas.

"The furniture industry now goes beyond mere furniture sales to offer comprehensive space utilization solutions," said Li Shuai, deputy director of the Ningjin Furniture Association.

"Senior-friendly furniture is envisioned to feature advanced intelligent capabilities, including automatic temperature and humidity regulation and remote control integration with smart home systems, enhancing convenience and comfort for the elderly," Li said.

Personalized customization is expected to be a key trend, considering the diverse living habits, physical conditions and aesthetic preferences of the elderly.

"Standardized furniture may not meet the unique needs of each senior, while in the future, consumers can customize furniture by selecting materials, colors and functions tailored to their specific requirements," Li said.

Zhao Long, director of the vocational skills training center at the China National Furniture Association, said: "Ningjin's industrial symbiosis involves the wood industry, home furnishing and health sectors. This integrated approach not only meets the current needs of the aging population but also lays a solid foundation for the county's sustainable and healthy development of the furniture industry."